Friday, October 10, 2008
My ALCS Prediction
Sox in 7. While the Rays look like the team the Baseball Gods are smiling on this year and they are full of talented young players, I'm picking playoff experience to win out in the end. The Red Sox, in all their Red Soxishness, will find a way to win in the post-season, quite possibly with their backs against the wall as they did last year against The Tribe. That said, I won't be shocked if the Rays pull it out. We've waited all season for them to pumpkin, but it hasn't happened yet.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
My ALCS Rotation
The fact is, in 2008, the Red Sox ace is Jon Lester. He's shown it since May and so far in two post-season starts. Unfortunately, since the Angels forced Game 4 last night, Lester will not be available on full rest until Game 2 on Saturday. Having pitched 107 pitches in last night's outing, it's probably better not to pitch him on short rest Friday night. That said, here is how I hope the ALCS rotation shakes out:
Game 1: Dice-K. It's his turn to pitch and he has been better on the road than at home. I hope he can go deeper into the game than his last start.
Game 2: Lester. Lester needs to be able to pitch twice in this series. Pitching him in Game 2 will have him on normal rest as early as Game 5, which is on Thursday, Oct. 16. Also, it puts the best pitcher on the mound in a game they really should try to win, to give them a chance at the very least to split.
Game 3: Beckett. Beckett is a question mark right now, with his recent oblique strain and his less-than-stellar start on Saturday. Pitching Beckett in Game 3 gives the bullpen some rest from Friday, when they will undoubtedly have to go several innings in relief of Dice-K.
Game 4: Byrd. This was a tough one. Wake in relief does give rise to a catcher dilemma, but he is no longer dominant over the Rays. They've given him trouble all year. Byrd pitched a very good Game 4 of last year's ALCS, albeit for the opposing team. I think Byrd just might have a slight post-season edge over Wake.
Game 5: Lester or Dice-K. If the team is behind and needs a clutch outing from the ace, pitch Lester in Game 5 at home. If the team is ahead or tied, pitch Dice-K and save Lester for Game 7
Game 6: Dice-K or Beckett. If Dice-K doesn't pitch in Game 5, pitch him in Game 6. If Dice-K does pitch Game 5, pitch Beckett in Game 6
Game 7: Beckett or Lester. If Lester was not used in Game 5, he pitches Game 7. If Lester is used in Game 5 and Dice-K in Game 6, then Beckett goes in Game 7.
As you can see, the rotation for 5-7 is situational. If I had to commit to one for each of the last three games, I would go with Lester in Game 5, Dice-K in Game 6 and Beckett in Game 7 (with fingers crossed that he can be dominant in a deciding game).
With four starters used in the ALCS, they will probably need an extra bullpen arm. Since neither of our "left over" arms (Aardsma and Timlin) are reliable in any sense of the word, it's like choosing the lesser of the two evils. Both drive me nuts when they're on the mound, but I'd have to go with Timlin over Aarsdma because Timlin has more post-season experience. I can't remember when Aardsma had a decent outing. Timlin will surprise me once in a while, but Aardsma's gone downhill since his first DL stint. He's also young and more likely to crumble under pressure. So, I shudder to say this, but if the alternative is Aardsma, bring on Timlin.
Game 1: Dice-K. It's his turn to pitch and he has been better on the road than at home. I hope he can go deeper into the game than his last start.
Game 2: Lester. Lester needs to be able to pitch twice in this series. Pitching him in Game 2 will have him on normal rest as early as Game 5, which is on Thursday, Oct. 16. Also, it puts the best pitcher on the mound in a game they really should try to win, to give them a chance at the very least to split.
Game 3: Beckett. Beckett is a question mark right now, with his recent oblique strain and his less-than-stellar start on Saturday. Pitching Beckett in Game 3 gives the bullpen some rest from Friday, when they will undoubtedly have to go several innings in relief of Dice-K.
Game 4: Byrd. This was a tough one. Wake in relief does give rise to a catcher dilemma, but he is no longer dominant over the Rays. They've given him trouble all year. Byrd pitched a very good Game 4 of last year's ALCS, albeit for the opposing team. I think Byrd just might have a slight post-season edge over Wake.
Game 5: Lester or Dice-K. If the team is behind and needs a clutch outing from the ace, pitch Lester in Game 5 at home. If the team is ahead or tied, pitch Dice-K and save Lester for Game 7
Game 6: Dice-K or Beckett. If Dice-K doesn't pitch in Game 5, pitch him in Game 6. If Dice-K does pitch Game 5, pitch Beckett in Game 6
Game 7: Beckett or Lester. If Lester was not used in Game 5, he pitches Game 7. If Lester is used in Game 5 and Dice-K in Game 6, then Beckett goes in Game 7.
As you can see, the rotation for 5-7 is situational. If I had to commit to one for each of the last three games, I would go with Lester in Game 5, Dice-K in Game 6 and Beckett in Game 7 (with fingers crossed that he can be dominant in a deciding game).
With four starters used in the ALCS, they will probably need an extra bullpen arm. Since neither of our "left over" arms (Aardsma and Timlin) are reliable in any sense of the word, it's like choosing the lesser of the two evils. Both drive me nuts when they're on the mound, but I'd have to go with Timlin over Aarsdma because Timlin has more post-season experience. I can't remember when Aardsma had a decent outing. Timlin will surprise me once in a while, but Aardsma's gone downhill since his first DL stint. He's also young and more likely to crumble under pressure. So, I shudder to say this, but if the alternative is Aardsma, bring on Timlin.
Monday, October 6, 2008
They Did It!!!! Now Can They Pumpkin Cinderella?
Sox: 3 Angels: 2
After Lester had thrown his seven shutout innings, given the lead after Sox scrapped together two runs off of Lackey in the fifth, things were looking pretty good for the Sox wrapping up this series at home. Then the bullpen happened. Oki retired the first two Angels batters he faced, but couldn't put the third one away, walking him and bringing Francona to the mound to make the change. Masterson, who the Angels have seen a lot of this series, proceeded to follow Oki's walk of Teixeira with a walk of his own to Vladi Guerrero. Up to the plate came the most clutch hitter of the Halos lineup, Torii Hunter. Masterson had him down 0-2, but then tried to get him to chase a pitch out of the zone. The next pitch he threw was a wild one and the runners advanced. Hunter roped Masterson's 2-2 offering into right field and the two-run advantage the Sox held went "poof", along with Lester's chance to pick up the win. Momentum appeared to swing in the Angels' favor and it looked like a long trip back to Anaheim for the Sox.
Then came the top of the ninth. With pinch-runner Reggie Willits at third, Scioscia tried the old Suicide Squeeze with Aybar at the plate. Aybar missed on his first attempt to bunt as Willits broke for home. Tek caught up with him and tagged him out before he could make it back to third and the play backfired. With two down in the inning, Manny Delcarmen got the third out quickly and it was on to the bottom of the ninth.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Jason Bay lined a ball into right field that bounced into the seats. Ground rule double. That was a tough break for the Sox because he could have made it to third and possibly all the way home had the ball not taken that bounce. Kotsay hit a hard line drive that was caught by Teixeira. Two out. Lowrie is up, batting left-handed, where he has struggled the most (though he did hit a long single off the wall earlier in the game). In a hitter's count, the rookie found the gap and Bay hustled around from second to plate the winning run. No return trip to Anaheim for the Red Sox. They clinched a spot in the ALCS at home, beating the team with the best record in baseball this year, the team with 100 regular season wins. The Angels of 2008, unlike the banged-up squad from last year, put up a fight to the very end. They were a very tough team to beat and deserve props for giving it their all. That said, it's very gratifying to know that the Red Sox were the ones to come up victorious once again in the post-season, over a team that has had their number during the regular season.
Now it's on to the Tampa Bay Rays. This team appears to have had a date with destiny since the very beginning of this season. They've made a meteoric rise in the ranks of the AL East and they've given the Sox a hell of a time in the process. Simply put, they know how to win games. The Red Sox know how to win games too, but the Rays have been doing it just a tad bit more consistently in 2008. Both teams have dealt with injuries to key players. They've also each won a whole slew of games in their home ballpark. With home field advantage having been earned by the Rays, that could play a key part in this series. The Sox will have their work cut out for them, and there are questions about how their pitching will match up to the Rays' rotation, but the Sox can win this series, just as they won the division series against the 100-win Angels. It will take everyone on the team stepping up and bringing their A-game. It will be an exciting series, that's for sure. That said, I may need to work on some Zen meditation between now and Friday...
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!
After Lester had thrown his seven shutout innings, given the lead after Sox scrapped together two runs off of Lackey in the fifth, things were looking pretty good for the Sox wrapping up this series at home. Then the bullpen happened. Oki retired the first two Angels batters he faced, but couldn't put the third one away, walking him and bringing Francona to the mound to make the change. Masterson, who the Angels have seen a lot of this series, proceeded to follow Oki's walk of Teixeira with a walk of his own to Vladi Guerrero. Up to the plate came the most clutch hitter of the Halos lineup, Torii Hunter. Masterson had him down 0-2, but then tried to get him to chase a pitch out of the zone. The next pitch he threw was a wild one and the runners advanced. Hunter roped Masterson's 2-2 offering into right field and the two-run advantage the Sox held went "poof", along with Lester's chance to pick up the win. Momentum appeared to swing in the Angels' favor and it looked like a long trip back to Anaheim for the Sox.
Then came the top of the ninth. With pinch-runner Reggie Willits at third, Scioscia tried the old Suicide Squeeze with Aybar at the plate. Aybar missed on his first attempt to bunt as Willits broke for home. Tek caught up with him and tagged him out before he could make it back to third and the play backfired. With two down in the inning, Manny Delcarmen got the third out quickly and it was on to the bottom of the ninth.
With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Jason Bay lined a ball into right field that bounced into the seats. Ground rule double. That was a tough break for the Sox because he could have made it to third and possibly all the way home had the ball not taken that bounce. Kotsay hit a hard line drive that was caught by Teixeira. Two out. Lowrie is up, batting left-handed, where he has struggled the most (though he did hit a long single off the wall earlier in the game). In a hitter's count, the rookie found the gap and Bay hustled around from second to plate the winning run. No return trip to Anaheim for the Red Sox. They clinched a spot in the ALCS at home, beating the team with the best record in baseball this year, the team with 100 regular season wins. The Angels of 2008, unlike the banged-up squad from last year, put up a fight to the very end. They were a very tough team to beat and deserve props for giving it their all. That said, it's very gratifying to know that the Red Sox were the ones to come up victorious once again in the post-season, over a team that has had their number during the regular season.
Now it's on to the Tampa Bay Rays. This team appears to have had a date with destiny since the very beginning of this season. They've made a meteoric rise in the ranks of the AL East and they've given the Sox a hell of a time in the process. Simply put, they know how to win games. The Red Sox know how to win games too, but the Rays have been doing it just a tad bit more consistently in 2008. Both teams have dealt with injuries to key players. They've also each won a whole slew of games in their home ballpark. With home field advantage having been earned by the Rays, that could play a key part in this series. The Sox will have their work cut out for them, and there are questions about how their pitching will match up to the Rays' rotation, but the Sox can win this series, just as they won the division series against the 100-win Angels. It will take everyone on the team stepping up and bringing their A-game. It will be an exciting series, that's for sure. That said, I may need to work on some Zen meditation between now and Friday...
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
I need a Xanax to get through these damn games!
Sox: 4 Halos: 5
Well, that was five-plus hours of agony. Let me just say that post-season Beckett was AWOL tonight and '06/08 Regular Season Just Plain Average Edition Beckett took his place. Yeah, the ill-fated injured oblique might have played a role, but command eluded Josh tonight. Angels were all over the bases the five innings he pitched. There was no settling in after the first inning or so and the Halos backstop made him pay twice for poor location. Then there were the two non-plays at first. With this kind of start from the guy the Sox call their ace, I knew they were in for a long night.
As if the starting pitching wasn't enough of a momentum-killer, the offense flipped the OFF switch after Ellsbury's bizarre bloop bases-clearing single and Youk's RBI in the fifth. Just seven hits over 12 innings. SEVEN. The Halos had, what, SIXTEEN??? The Sox 'pen did all they could to keep the team in the game until the 12th, when Lopez couldn't fool the Angel bats and the blasted Rally Monkey any longer (Jeez, and I thought JD took care of that simpering simian on Friday night...). The Sox bats couldn't buy a clutch hit, especially o-fer-Pedey. What's up with Mr. Batting Title Runner-Up this series? Cat got his bat? Bay forgot to homer in tonight's game; instead he went hitless, taking a gander at strike three in the bottom of the 12th, leaving the game, the sweep, and the Red Sox' momentum in the hands of Alex Cora. Cora, as predicted, went down quietly and the Angels pulled off the upset, ending a streak of 11 straight post-season victories of the Sox over the Angels. The Halos are going to be fired up tomorrow. They've seized the momentum in a huge way and it's going to take something even huger from Lester to stop them from stealing the entire series. That and the Sox bats have to, for crying out loud, WAKE UP!!!! Have they forgotten they are at Fenway? Oh, and if I see one more Frank TV ad, I will run screaming out of the room.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!! WAKE THE BATS AND KEEP YOUR SEASON ALIVE!!!!
Well, that was five-plus hours of agony. Let me just say that post-season Beckett was AWOL tonight and '06/08 Regular Season Just Plain Average Edition Beckett took his place. Yeah, the ill-fated injured oblique might have played a role, but command eluded Josh tonight. Angels were all over the bases the five innings he pitched. There was no settling in after the first inning or so and the Halos backstop made him pay twice for poor location. Then there were the two non-plays at first. With this kind of start from the guy the Sox call their ace, I knew they were in for a long night.
As if the starting pitching wasn't enough of a momentum-killer, the offense flipped the OFF switch after Ellsbury's bizarre bloop bases-clearing single and Youk's RBI in the fifth. Just seven hits over 12 innings. SEVEN. The Halos had, what, SIXTEEN??? The Sox 'pen did all they could to keep the team in the game until the 12th, when Lopez couldn't fool the Angel bats and the blasted Rally Monkey any longer (Jeez, and I thought JD took care of that simpering simian on Friday night...). The Sox bats couldn't buy a clutch hit, especially o-fer-Pedey. What's up with Mr. Batting Title Runner-Up this series? Cat got his bat? Bay forgot to homer in tonight's game; instead he went hitless, taking a gander at strike three in the bottom of the 12th, leaving the game, the sweep, and the Red Sox' momentum in the hands of Alex Cora. Cora, as predicted, went down quietly and the Angels pulled off the upset, ending a streak of 11 straight post-season victories of the Sox over the Angels. The Halos are going to be fired up tomorrow. They've seized the momentum in a huge way and it's going to take something even huger from Lester to stop them from stealing the entire series. That and the Sox bats have to, for crying out loud, WAKE UP!!!! Have they forgotten they are at Fenway? Oh, and if I see one more Frank TV ad, I will run screaming out of the room.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!! WAKE THE BATS AND KEEP YOUR SEASON ALIVE!!!!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
JD Kills The Rally Monkey
Sox: 7 Angels: 5
The poor primate didn't stand a chance. With two strikes on him in the top of the ninth, JD Drew, man of huge post-season four-baggers, took K-Rod deep with Coco at second, running for Big Papi, who doubled to lead off the inning. This ginormous clutch hit capped off a night of drama for the Sox and Halos, who were tied going into the ninth. The Sox touched "the other Santana" for four runs in the first, thanks to Drew's RBI double (scoring Big Papi, who also doubled, starting the hitting with two outs in the inning) and Jason Bay's second homer of the series, a three-run job with Youk and Drew on. Dice-K took the mound and--quel surprise!--threw first-pitch strikes to the first seven batters he faced. Still, the middle of the order gave him some trouble as they produced the first Angels run. The Sox answered in the third with back-to-back doubles by Cora and Ells, making the score 5-1. The Angels, however, slowly chipped away at that lead, their big three, Teixiera, Guerrerro and Hunter, were hitting and getting on base like it was going out of style. The trademark Dice-K walks began in the fourth, and that walk came around to score the Halos' second run. The fifth was when the wheels came loose for Dice. He issues back-to-back freebies to lead off the inning and needs three dozen pitches to finally escape with only one run scored.
After five, Dice-K was done and the 'pen took over. Oki pitched the sixth 1-2-3, but couldn't extend his dominance into the seventh. He let two runners on and Masterson was summoned to put out the fire. The rookie did, but not before walking in Angels run #4. When Masterson came out for the eighth, the Rally Monkey was doing his thing and Chone Figgins roped a triple. Like the rest of us Sox fans, Tito had seen enough of the Rally Monkey and summoned Paps for a two-inning save. The relentless middle of the lineup managed to sac-fly in Figgins to tie the game and Paps was tagged with a blown save. He took care of the rest of the lineup, thanks to a highlight-reel catch by Youk, who snagged a fly ball in foul territory by the cameras.
That brings us to the top of the ninth, where this blog began. K-Rod got the last out of the eighth and was back on the mound to try to finish off the save. Try he did, but JD got the better of him. With the lead once again, Pap took care of the rest and, four hours after the game began, the Sox took their second victory in Anaheim. They go back to Fenway with a commanding lead in the series and Beckett takes the mound on Sunday night. Even if Beckett isn't in his '07 post-season form, Lester is waiting in the wings for Game 4.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!!
The poor primate didn't stand a chance. With two strikes on him in the top of the ninth, JD Drew, man of huge post-season four-baggers, took K-Rod deep with Coco at second, running for Big Papi, who doubled to lead off the inning. This ginormous clutch hit capped off a night of drama for the Sox and Halos, who were tied going into the ninth. The Sox touched "the other Santana" for four runs in the first, thanks to Drew's RBI double (scoring Big Papi, who also doubled, starting the hitting with two outs in the inning) and Jason Bay's second homer of the series, a three-run job with Youk and Drew on. Dice-K took the mound and--quel surprise!--threw first-pitch strikes to the first seven batters he faced. Still, the middle of the order gave him some trouble as they produced the first Angels run. The Sox answered in the third with back-to-back doubles by Cora and Ells, making the score 5-1. The Angels, however, slowly chipped away at that lead, their big three, Teixiera, Guerrerro and Hunter, were hitting and getting on base like it was going out of style. The trademark Dice-K walks began in the fourth, and that walk came around to score the Halos' second run. The fifth was when the wheels came loose for Dice. He issues back-to-back freebies to lead off the inning and needs three dozen pitches to finally escape with only one run scored.
After five, Dice-K was done and the 'pen took over. Oki pitched the sixth 1-2-3, but couldn't extend his dominance into the seventh. He let two runners on and Masterson was summoned to put out the fire. The rookie did, but not before walking in Angels run #4. When Masterson came out for the eighth, the Rally Monkey was doing his thing and Chone Figgins roped a triple. Like the rest of us Sox fans, Tito had seen enough of the Rally Monkey and summoned Paps for a two-inning save. The relentless middle of the lineup managed to sac-fly in Figgins to tie the game and Paps was tagged with a blown save. He took care of the rest of the lineup, thanks to a highlight-reel catch by Youk, who snagged a fly ball in foul territory by the cameras.
That brings us to the top of the ninth, where this blog began. K-Rod got the last out of the eighth and was back on the mound to try to finish off the save. Try he did, but JD got the better of him. With the lead once again, Pap took care of the rest and, four hours after the game began, the Sox took their second victory in Anaheim. They go back to Fenway with a commanding lead in the series and Beckett takes the mound on Sunday night. Even if Beckett isn't in his '07 post-season form, Lester is waiting in the wings for Game 4.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Ace Has Arrived and New Guy Comes Up Big
Sox: 4 Halos: 1
I called it! Jon Lester kept the Angels guessing last night in Anaheim. After a first inning where he struggled a bit with command, Lester settled down and limited the Halos to one unearned run over seven innings, fanning seven. He got stronger as he went deeper into the game, striking out the side in order in the sixth. The Angels touched him for some hits, but only one of their men would cross the plate, due to an error by Jed Lowrie at short in the third inning. Masterson took over in the eighth and had a scare that was put to rest by Youk throwing Vladi Guerrero out at third. Paps gave up one hit, but otherwise made quick work of the home team, sewing up the 4-1 Sox victory.
The Sox offense struggled to put a run across early in the game and it looked like it was going to be one of those gut-wrenchingly futile outings for the seemingly frozen bats. Until, with two outs in the sixth, Jason Bay, in his first post-season hit after whiffing twice before, stroked a two-run dinger that put the Sox ahead of the Angels 2-1. Two more insurance runs were added in the ninth, off the bats of Jacoby "3-for-5 with 2 SB" Ellsbury and a previously thwarted Big Papi. Jake resembled the Jake of last post-season, getting on base and keeping the Angels pitching and defense on their toes. His three hits and two snagged bags showed that he has caught fire at the right time again, in effect continuing the hitting streak he had amassed during the last weeks of the regular season (18 games). Jacoby's presence on the basepaths is key to the Sox' success in the post-season, so here's hoping he keeps it up.
Friday night is Game 2 with Dice-K on the mound. Key for him will be going deep into the game and saving the bullpen. His road record this year has been dominant, so let's hope he continues this trend into the post-season.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!
I called it! Jon Lester kept the Angels guessing last night in Anaheim. After a first inning where he struggled a bit with command, Lester settled down and limited the Halos to one unearned run over seven innings, fanning seven. He got stronger as he went deeper into the game, striking out the side in order in the sixth. The Angels touched him for some hits, but only one of their men would cross the plate, due to an error by Jed Lowrie at short in the third inning. Masterson took over in the eighth and had a scare that was put to rest by Youk throwing Vladi Guerrero out at third. Paps gave up one hit, but otherwise made quick work of the home team, sewing up the 4-1 Sox victory.
The Sox offense struggled to put a run across early in the game and it looked like it was going to be one of those gut-wrenchingly futile outings for the seemingly frozen bats. Until, with two outs in the sixth, Jason Bay, in his first post-season hit after whiffing twice before, stroked a two-run dinger that put the Sox ahead of the Angels 2-1. Two more insurance runs were added in the ninth, off the bats of Jacoby "3-for-5 with 2 SB" Ellsbury and a previously thwarted Big Papi. Jake resembled the Jake of last post-season, getting on base and keeping the Angels pitching and defense on their toes. His three hits and two snagged bags showed that he has caught fire at the right time again, in effect continuing the hitting streak he had amassed during the last weeks of the regular season (18 games). Jacoby's presence on the basepaths is key to the Sox' success in the post-season, so here's hoping he keeps it up.
Friday night is Game 2 with Dice-K on the mound. Key for him will be going deep into the game and saving the bullpen. His road record this year has been dominant, so let's hope he continues this trend into the post-season.
LET'S GO RED SOX!!!!!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
My End of Season Red Sox Awards
Here we are on Soxtober first, with Game 1 of the ALDS less than twelve hours away. It's time for the 2008 InSOXicated Awards. For the purpose of getting the "bad news" out of the way first, here are the more dubious honors (hey, at least they got recognized!)
The Dr. Strangeglove Award, in honor of the original "Dr. Strangeglove," the former Red Sox first baseman Dick Stuart goes to Julio Lugo
The Cardiac Warning Label Award for most stress-inducing bullpen pitcher goes to David Aardsma. Dubiously Honorable Mentions: Mike Timlin and former blood-pressure raiser Craig Hansen, now with Pittsburgh.
The Captain K Award for most whiffs at the plate, well I hate to have to give this to the team captain since he's so vital to the success of the team's pitching staff, but it goes to Jason Varitek. Sorry, Captain.
And now for the "good news"...
The King of the Hill Award goes to Jon Lester, for his ace-like performances on the mound this season. Honorable Mention: Justin Masterson, for coming up from AA Portland to contribute both as a starter and as a reliever at the major league level.
The Flashin' The Leather Award for best defensive player goes to Jacoby Ellsbury for his stellar defense in all three outfield positions. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Teddy Yaz Award for best offensive player goes to Kevin Youkilis. With Papi having a down year and You-Know-Who getting traded, Youk really stepped it up and produced in a big way throughout the season. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Dirt Doggery Award for the grittiest player who isn't afraid to get the uniform dirty goes to Dustin Pedroia. Honorable Mention: Kevin Youkilis
The Golden Welcome Mat Award for best newbie goes to Jason Bay, who made a smooth transition to big-time Boston baseball from his very first game on August 1. Honorable Mention: Jed Lowrie
The Harry Houdini Award for escaping pitching jams goes to Daisuke Matsuzaka
The You've Come A Long Way, Baby Award for most improved player is Jon Lester. Honorable Mention: Kevin Youkilis
The Greased Lightning Award for biggest basepath threat goes to Jacoby Ellsbury. Honorable Mentions: Coco Crisp and Dustin Pedroia.
And finally...drumroll please...my vote for the 2008 Red Sox MVP...
KEVIN YOUKILIS!!!!
While Pedroia may be the leading candidate to most of Red Sox Nation, I'm more sold on Youk. He has 29 home runs and 115 RBI, meaning he is a serious power threat and he drives in the runs. He has stepped up admirably into the cleanup spot behind Big Papi and his defense is Gold Glove caliber just as it was last year. He can play two positions very well. There was no second-half fade for him this year and I believe, at 29 he is entering his prime as a baseball player. Pedroia has been magnificent as well and he gets my honorable mention here. I will be happy if either Red Sox player were to win the AL MVP, but if I had to choose between two supremely qualified candidates, my vote would be with Youk.
The Dr. Strangeglove Award, in honor of the original "Dr. Strangeglove," the former Red Sox first baseman Dick Stuart goes to Julio Lugo
The Cardiac Warning Label Award for most stress-inducing bullpen pitcher goes to David Aardsma. Dubiously Honorable Mentions: Mike Timlin and former blood-pressure raiser Craig Hansen, now with Pittsburgh.
The Captain K Award for most whiffs at the plate, well I hate to have to give this to the team captain since he's so vital to the success of the team's pitching staff, but it goes to Jason Varitek. Sorry, Captain.
And now for the "good news"...
The King of the Hill Award goes to Jon Lester, for his ace-like performances on the mound this season. Honorable Mention: Justin Masterson, for coming up from AA Portland to contribute both as a starter and as a reliever at the major league level.
The Flashin' The Leather Award for best defensive player goes to Jacoby Ellsbury for his stellar defense in all three outfield positions. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Teddy Yaz Award for best offensive player goes to Kevin Youkilis. With Papi having a down year and You-Know-Who getting traded, Youk really stepped it up and produced in a big way throughout the season. Honorable Mention: Dustin Pedroia
The Dirt Doggery Award for the grittiest player who isn't afraid to get the uniform dirty goes to Dustin Pedroia. Honorable Mention: Kevin Youkilis
The Golden Welcome Mat Award for best newbie goes to Jason Bay, who made a smooth transition to big-time Boston baseball from his very first game on August 1. Honorable Mention: Jed Lowrie
The Harry Houdini Award for escaping pitching jams goes to Daisuke Matsuzaka
The You've Come A Long Way, Baby Award for most improved player is Jon Lester. Honorable Mention: Kevin Youkilis
The Greased Lightning Award for biggest basepath threat goes to Jacoby Ellsbury. Honorable Mentions: Coco Crisp and Dustin Pedroia.
And finally...drumroll please...my vote for the 2008 Red Sox MVP...
KEVIN YOUKILIS!!!!
While Pedroia may be the leading candidate to most of Red Sox Nation, I'm more sold on Youk. He has 29 home runs and 115 RBI, meaning he is a serious power threat and he drives in the runs. He has stepped up admirably into the cleanup spot behind Big Papi and his defense is Gold Glove caliber just as it was last year. He can play two positions very well. There was no second-half fade for him this year and I believe, at 29 he is entering his prime as a baseball player. Pedroia has been magnificent as well and he gets my honorable mention here. I will be happy if either Red Sox player were to win the AL MVP, but if I had to choose between two supremely qualified candidates, my vote would be with Youk.
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